A Healthy Prague 11

LTH - Sustainable Urban Dynamics - 2021

In the third semester of my Master’s Programme “Sustainable Urban Design”, we worked on a site in Prague, Czech Republic.

The course was divided in different phases: Analysis (both on a regional and local scale), Vision, Strategy and the Individual Design. In the frame of a field visit, we got to experience the site and work with locals which helped us to understand the conditions and thereby sharpen the projects.

Have a look at the other projects

Current Situation

Today, the area around Háje is an unorganized space where sealed surfaces and cars are predominant. Regarding the current street design, pedestrians and cyclists seem to have the lowest priority. This results in people relying on the car more often than it actually would be necessary. Moreover, most of the functions and activities that are relevant for people can mostly not be accessed through the ground floor. Due to the high traffic volume, the air quality is – especially around Opatovská - very poor. People moving around more by car could be one reason why the number of people suffering from obesity is increasing, Czechs feel more isolated and often depressed. Regarding the existing large green structures, they are often very scattered, undefined and not easily accessible. When walking from the Central Park to the big recreational areas like Milíčov or Hostivar, the space around the metro station Háje represents a barrier more than a connection. Another challenge is that the scale of the green spaces, but also the existing buildings and streets on the site is too big. These big spaces do however also represent opportunities to rethink the space, scale it down and create new more qualitative spaces. The tram that is planned to operate on Opatovská does e.g. represent an opportunity to create more walkability and an increased interaction of the street and the facades of the buildings.

Vision

I want to build up my project “A healthy Prague 11” on three main pillars: Move, Meet and Grow. The pillar „Move“ will concentrate on the turnaround for mobility within Prague 11. As the municipality plans a tram that will operate in Opatovska that is designed for cars today, this could be a chance for Prague 11 to be better connected, more walkable and cyclist-friendly. The tram can be the ignition for a transit orientated era that makes it fun to move around through the area. The pillar “Meet” aims to create little pocket parks throughout the area that should counteract the feeling of isolation. Lastly, “Grow” wants to integrate urban farming into the project site in order for the citizens to reconnect with nature, fight obesity and allow people to connect more. All of them should work together to help create a healthy Prague 11.

Strategy

Connect scattered green spaces with larger recreational areas

Plan a sequence of public spaces to evoke curiosity

Design

Prague 11 will represent a space where people enjoy the various existing recreational areas that surround the district

The residents will appreciate the proximity of both green areas but also being connected to the city center by the metro. As the walkability is drastically increased by implementing the project, people will not only move more, but also meet more. In order to strengthen the places for meeting even more, little squares open up throughout the area where people can chat with their neighbors.

Typology Transformation Block

Pedestrian- and Cyclists-friendly Streetscapes

By designing pedestrian- and cyclists-friendly streetscapes that connect the Central Park with the large recreational areas, people will move more. The existing buildings are preserved for the most part and new buildings are added to scale down the existing streetscapes. By designing active facades along Opatovská, the link between the in- and outside is improved. Furthermore, urban farming will be integrated to allow the residents to reconnect with nature, food and through this common activity also with other people.

Main Square at the Metro Station
The tram stops are located in proximity to the metro station for the people to easily commute to the city center if needed.

Before and After Townhouses